Maritime and Castguard Agency LgMARINE GUIDANCE NOTE MGN 560 (M) Life-Saving Appliances - Lifebats, Rescue Bats, Launching Appliances, Winches and On-lad Release Gear - Operatinal and Test Prcedures Ntice t all Ship Owners, Ship Operatrs and Managers, Masters, Officers and Crews f Merchant Ships, authrised service prviders, lifebat equipment manufacturers, and UK authrised Recignised Organisatins. This Nte replaces MSN 1803 (M) - Lifebats - Measures t prevent accidents Please Nte:- Where this dcument prvides guidance n the law it shuld nt be regarded as definitive. The way the law applies t any particular case can vary accrding t circumstances - fr example, frm vessel t vessel and yu shuld cnsider seeking independent legal advice if yu are unsure f yur wn legal psitin. Summary This Marine Guidance Nte cmpiles current guidance n the safe servicing, testing maintenance and drilling f lifebats. This MGN replaces MSN1803 (M) and accunts fr MCA plicy frm September 2015. This Ntice prvides an explanatin f hw the MCA applies t UK ships the prvisins f Internatinal Maritime Organizatin (IMO), Maritime Safety Cmmittee (MSC) Circular 1206/Revisin 1, Measures t Prevent Accidents with Lifebats. This MGN prvides further guidance n the use f a static test in place f dynamic 5yr tests and it als prvides guidance n hw t prevent injury during the hk release test. This MGN remves mentin f UK Independent Lifebat Service and Testing Organizatins which n lnger exist after a change in UK Plicy in 2014. 1. Backgrund 1.1 Over the past 10 years the maritime industry has bserved an unacceptably high number f accidents with lifebats in which crew were injured, smetimes fatally, whilst participating in lifebat drills and/r inspectins. The IMO has been wrking t intrduce measures t reduce the likelihd and severity f such incidents, and the main publicatins seeking t 1
achieve this are MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 and MSC.1/Circ.1277, upn which this Nte is based. It has been bserved that mst accidents fall under the fllwing categries: Failure f n-lad release mechanism; Inadvertent peratin f n-lad release mechanism; Inadequate maintenance f lifebats, davits and launching equipment; Cmmunicatin failures; Lack f familiarity with lifebats, davits, equipment and assciated cntrls; Unsafe practices during lifebat drills and inspectins; and Design faults ther than n-lad release mechanisms. 1.2 The MCA and surveyrs f UK authrised Recgnised Organisatins (ROs) are ften questined with regard t which persnnel are required t be in attendance during 5 yearly lad testing f lifebats. This MGN highlights the mst pertinent IMO guidance and prvides sme additinal guidance with respect t 5 yearly lad testing n bard UK vessels. This MGN replaces MSN 1803 (M) and additinally clarifies the latest MCA plicy n static testing f lifebats. It als prvides further explanatin f the measures that can be taken t reduce the pssibility f injury t persnnel during testing. MCA research and cnsultatin with industry in this area has identified a number f pints f interest and these will be incrprated int a further revisin f this MGN at a future date. The future revisin f this MGN will als accunt fr the latest IMO Reslutin n the peratinal and test prcedures described in this Nte, fllwing the decisins made at the 96 th Sessin f the IMO s Maritime Safety Cmmittee. 1.3 The fllwing bullet pints are key cnsideratins fr the maintenance, peratin and testing f lifebats:- Lifebat drills are cnducted in accrdance with SOLAS regulatin III/19.3.3 fr the purpse f ensuring that ship s persnnel will be able t safely embark and launch the lifebats in an emergency; Persnnel undertaking inspectins, maintenance and adjustment f lifebats, launching appliances and assciated equipment are fully trained and familiar with these duties; All apprpriate dcumentatin fr the maintenance and adjustment f lifebats, launching appliances and assciated equipment is available n bard; Maintenance f lifebats, launching appliances and assciated equipment is carried ut in accrdance with apprved established prcedures; The principles f health and safety at wrk apply t lifebat drills; Persnnel undertaking maintenance and repair activities are apprpriately qualified; Hanging-ff pennants are nly used fr maintenance purpses and nt during training exercises; All tests required fr the design and apprval f life-saving appliances are cnducted rigrusly, accrding t the guidelines develped by the Maritime and Castguard Agency, in rder t identify and rectify any design faults at an early stage; The equipment t be easily accessible fr inspectins and maintenance and is prven durable in harsh peratinal cnditins, in additin t withstanding prttype tests; - 2 -
The Maritime and Castguard Agency pays clse attentin t prper wrkmanship and technlgy when assessing equipment fr apprval; and Ship wners, when undertaking maintenance and repair activities, t emply qualified persnnel, preferably certified by the manufacturer. 1.4 This MGN prvides an explanatin f hw the MCA applies the prvisins f MSC.1/Circ. 1206/Rev.1 t UK registered ships. MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 supersedes the guidance cntained in Circulars; MSC/Circ.1049, MSC/Circ.1093, MSC/Circ.1136, MSC.1/Circ.1206 and MSC/Circ.1137. 1.5 The guidance belw is t be read in cnjunctin with the requirements f SOLAS Chapter III, with particular reference t Regulatins 20 and 36. 2. Frmat f Guidance within this MGN 2.1 Specific guidance fr 5 yearly lad testing n bard UK vessels and relevant extracts frm the text f the pertinent IMO guidance dcument are included in the frm f an annex t this MGN as fllws: ANNEX PART 1 MEASURES TO PREVEVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFEBOATS; LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR APPENDIX 1: SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING APPENDIX 2: GENERAL GUIDANCE ON THE CONDUCT OF 5 YEARLY LOAD TESTS ON UK VESSELS PART 2 PART 3 GUIDELINES ON SAFETY DURING ABBANDON SHIP DRILLS USING LIFEBOATS FREE-FALL LIFEBOATS - 3 -
Mre Infrmatin Marine Technlgy Branch Maritime and Castguard Agency, Bay 2/27 Spring Place, 105 Cmmercial Rad, Suthamptn, SO15 1EG. Tel : +44 (0) 203 8172000. e-mail: marinetechnlgy@mcga.gv.uk. Website Address: www.gv.uk/gvernment/rganisatins/maritime-and-castguard-agency. General Inquiries: infline@mcga.gv.uk File Ref: MS 003/007/0193 Published: Octber 2016 Please nte that all addresses and telephne numbers are crrect at time f publishing. Crwn Cpyright 2016. Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas. - 4 -
ANNEX: MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS WITH LIFEBOATS PART 1: GUIDELINES FOR PERIODIC SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF LIFEBOATS, LAUNCHING APPLIANCES AND ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR 1. General 1.1 The bjective f these Guidelines is t establish a unifrm, safe and dcumented perfrmance f peridic servicing and maintenance f lifebats, launching appliances and n-lad release gear. 1.2 These Guidelines relate t the applicatin f the ISM Cde t peridic servicing and maintenance f lifebat arrangements and shuld therefre be reflected in prcedures develped fr a ship under that Cde. 1.3 The general principle in these Guidelines may als be applied t the peridic servicing and maintenance f liferafts, rescue bats and fast rescue bats and their launching appliances and release gear. See als MGN 548 (M+F) Life-Saving Appliances - Inflatable SOLAS Certificated Liferafts, Lifejackets, Marine Evacuatin Systems, and repair f Inflated Rescue Bats - Servicing Requirements and Apprved Service Statins. 1.4 Details guidance regarding sme prcedures cvered by these Guidelines is prvided in the appendices 1 and 2. 2. SOLAS Regulatin These Guidelines relate t the requirements cntained in: 2.1 SOLAS regulatin III/20. Operatinal readiness, maintenance and inspectins; and 2.2 SOLAS regulatin III/36. Instructins fr n-bard maintenance. 3. Respnsibilities 3.1 Bth the shipping cmpany and the cmpany cntracted t undertake the servicing are respnsible fr servicing and maintenance n bard its ships and fr the establishment and implementatin f health, safety and envirnment (HSE) prcedures cvering all activities during servicing and maintenance. 3.2 The persnnel carrying ut servicing and maintenance are respnsible fr the perfrmance f the wrk as authrised in accrdance with the system specified in 4.1. The abve persnnel are als respnsible fr cmplying with HSE instructins and prcedures. An in-depth risk assessment shuld be prvided by the service prvider cvering all aspects f the inspectin and testing. This risk assessment shuld include the fllwing key elements; i. Dangers f persnnel within the vicinity f the lifebat while the test is carried ut. ii. Pssible free surface mvement f water in the water weight bags. iii. Pssible failure mde f the equipment during the test and its effect n the equipment and persnnel carrying ut the test. - 5 -
4. Authrisatin fr Service and Maintenance Persnnel 4.1 Only rganisatins authrised by either the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) r a UK authrised RO in accrdance with MGN 555 (M) (Life-Saving Appliances, Lifebats, Rigid Rescue Bats, Launching Appliances and On-lad Release Gear Authrisatin f Service Prviders); may cnduct the 5 yearly servicing and maintenance f lifebats described in this Nte and in MSC.1/Circ. 1206 Rev.1. 4.2 Where these Guidelines require certificatin f authrised service persnnel, such certificatin shuld be issued by the OEM r a UK authrised RO, in accrdance with MGN 555 (M). 5. Qualificatin Levels 5.1 Weekly and mnthly inspectins, and rutine maintenance as defined by the manufacturer, shuld be cnducted under the direct supervisin f a senir ship s fficer in accrdance with the instructins prvided by the manufacturer. 5.2 All ther inspectins, servicing, testing and repair shuld be cnducted by a service prvider authrised in accrdance with MSC.1/Circ.1277. 6. Reprts and Recrds 6.1 All reprts and checklists shuld be crrectly cmpleted ut and signed by the persn wh carries ut the inspectin and maintenance wrk and shuld als be signed by the cmpany s representative r the ship s master. 6.2 Recrds f inspectins, servicing, repairs and maintenance shuld be updated and filed n bard the ship. 6.3 When repairs r servicing are cmpleted, a statement cnfirming that the lifebat arrangements remain fit fr purpse shuld be issued by the authrised service prvider. - 6 -
APPENDIX 1: SPECIFIC PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING App1.1. GENERAL App1.1.1 Any inspectin, servicing and repair shuld be carried ut accrding t the system fr inspectin and services develped by the manufacturer. App1.1.2 A full set f maintenance manuals and assciated dcumentatin issued by the manufacturer shuld be available n bard fr use in all peratins invlved in the inspectin, maintenance, adjustment and re-setting f the lifebat and assciated equipment, such as davits and release gear. App1.1.3 The manufacturer s system fr inspectin and services shuld include the items cntained in App1.2, App1.3 and App1.4 as a minimum. App1.1.4 All the inspectins, testing and servicing required in App1.2, App1.3 and App1.4 shuld be cnducted by the authrised service prvider and all unnecessary persnnel shuld be prhibited frm entering the area f risk. App1.2 ANNUAL THOROUGH EXAMINATION App1.2.1 Items listed in checklists fr the weekly/mnthly inspectins als frm the first part f the annual thrugh examinatin. When carrying ut this examinatin the inspectin f these items shuld be perfrmed by the ship s crew in the presence f the authrised service prvider and any recmmendatins r new prcedures shuld be demnstrated then. App1.2.2 Inspectin and maintenance recrds f inspectins and rutine maintenance carried ut by the ship s crew and the applicable certificates fr the launching appliances and equipment shuld be available. App1.2.3 Repairs and replacement f parts shuld be carried ut in accrdance with the manufacturer s instructins and standards. App1.2.4 Lifebats The fllwing items shuld be examined and checked fr satisfactry cnditin and peratin: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Cnditin f lifebat structure including fixed and lse equipment (including a visual examinatin f the external bundaries f the vid spaces as far as is practicable); Engine and prpulsin system; Sprinkler system, where fitted; Air supply system, where fitted; Maneuvring system; Pwer supply system; Bailing system; It s als recmmended that the fender/skate arrangements; and rescue bat righting system, where fitted, are examined and checked fr satisfactry cnditin. - 7 -
App1.2.5 Release Gear The fllwing shuld be examined fr satisfactry cnditin and peratin after the annual winch brake test with the empty bat, as required by paragraph 3.1: (a) Operatin f devices fr activatin f release gear; (b) Excessive free play (tlerances); (c) Hydrstatic interlck system, where fitted; (d) Cables fr cntrl and release; and (e) Hk fastening; including link plate, keel she, blts and etc. Ntes: 1. The setting and maintenance f release gear are critical peratins with regard t maintaining the safe peratin f the lifebat and the safety f persnnel in the lifebat. All inspectin and maintenance peratins n this equipment shuld therefre be carried ut with the utmst care. 2. N maintenance r adjustment f the release gear shuld be undertaken while the hks are under lad. 2. Hanging-ff pennants may be used fr this purpse but shuld nt remain cnnected at ther times, such as when the lifebat is nrmally stwed and during training exercises. The crew needs t be assured that the structure is safe when laded by hanging ff pennants. 3. The release gear is t be examined prir t its peratinal test. The release gear is t be re-examined after its peratinal test and the dynamic winch brake test. Special cnsideratin shuld be given t ensure that n damage has ccurred during the winch brake test, especially t the hk clsure and its fastening. 4. It is recmmended that particular care shuld be taken t verify that the master links are in accrdance with the manufacturer s recmmendatins. App1.2.6 Operatinal test f n-lad release functin: (a) (b) (c) (d) Psitin the lifebat partially int the water such that the mass f the bat is substantially supprted by the falls and the hydrstatic interlck system, where fitted, is nt triggered; Operate the n-lad release gear; Reset the n-lad release gear; and Examine the release gear and hk fastening t ensure that the hk is cmpletely reset and n damage has ccurred. App1.2.7 Operatinal test f ff-lad release functin: (a) (b) (c) (d) Psitin the lifebat fully waterbrne; Operate the ff-lad release gear; Reset the n-lad release gear; and Recver the lifebat t the stwed psitin and verified ready fr launching in an emergency Nte: Prir t histing, eensure that release gear is cmpletely and prperly reset with interlcks in place. The final turning-in f the lifebat shuld be dne withut any persns n bard. - 8 -
An alternative methd f testing n lad release mechanisms may be available using specialist equipment. Sme authrized service prviders have develped bespke test equipment fr this purpse. The applied lad can be simulated hydraulically and the mechanism released in the usual way. This has the advantage that it can be dne ashre and avids the risk f damage t the bat r injury t persnnel n laded release in t the water. Use f such equipment must be agreed by the Recgnized Organizatin and the authrized service prvider in cnsultatin with the OEM. Any required calibratin f such equipment must be verified in accrdance with instructins frm the authrized service prviders and OEM t ensure that the equipment and its use are cmpatible fr the particular bat and hk arrangement; and relevant certificate f calibratin shall be verified by the RO r Administratin attending n bard. T ensure that the cmplete system, frm the winch t the structural fixing f the disengaging apparatus in the lifebat has been tested, this alternative testing methd shuld nly be utilized if the lifebat was used fr the dynamic winch brake test as detailed in App 1.3. App1.2.8 Operatinal test f free-fall lifebat release functin: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Engage the simulated launching arrangements as specified in the manufacturer s perating instructins; The peratr shuld be prperly seated and secured in the seat lcatin frm which the release mechanism is t be perated; Operate the release mechanism t release the lifebat; Reset the lifebat in the stwed cnfiguratin; Repeat prcedures b) t d) abve, using the back-up release mechanism, when applicable; After ensuring that the bat is safely re-stwed remve the simulated launching arrangements; and Verify that the lifebat is in the ready t launch stwed cnfiguratin. App1.2.9 Davit App1.2.10 Winch The fllwing items shuld be examined fr satisfactry cnditin and peratin:- (a) Davit structure, with particular regard t crrsin, particularly behind head sheaves an in ther hard t paint places, misalignments, defrmatins and excessive free play, eg in bearings r track rllers; (b) Wires and sheaves, pssible damage such as kinks and crrsin; (c) Lubricatin f wires, sheaves and mving parts; (d) Functining f all limit switches; (e) Stred pwer systems including a check n capacity; (f) Hydraulic systems; (g) Inspectins fr crrect terminatin f fall wire ends; (h) Verificatin f fall wire end fr ending r replacement f wire (checking the relevant certificatin cnfirming the ultimate tensile strength in the prcess); and (i) Cnditin and reeving r remte cntrl wires, pulleys etc. The fllwing items shuld be examined fr satisfactry cnditin and peratin:- (a) Open and inspect brake mechanism where pssible (sme cannt be readily pened, in which case instructins shuld be sught frm the OEM); (b) Replace brake pads, if necessary; (c) Remte cntrl system; (d) Pwer supply system; (e) Winch fundatin; (f) Winch crank handle interlcks; and - 9 -
(g) (h) The angles / clearances f "dead mans" brake levers t be checked upn reassembly; Functining f all limit switches if fitted n the winch. App1.3 DYNAMIC WINCH BRAKE TEST App1.3.1 Annual peratinal testing shuld preferably be dne by lwering the empty bat. When the bat has reached its maximum lwering speed and befre the bat enters the water, the brake shuld be abruptly applied. App1.3.2 The five-year peratinal test shuld be dne by lwering the bat laded t a prf lad equal t 1.1 times the weight f the survival craft r rescue bat and its full cmplement f persns and equipment, r equivalent lad. When the bat has reached its maximum lwering speed and befre the bat enters the water, the brake shuld be abruptly applied. App1.3.3 Fllwing these tests, the brake pads and stressed structural parts shuld be reinspected. Nte: In lading the bat fr this test, precautins shuld be taken t ensure that the stability f the bat is nt adversely affected by free surface effects r the raising f the centre f gravity. App1.3.4 In additin t the dynamic winch brake test under App1.3.2 fr the secndary launching system f freefall lifebats, every freefall lifebat shall be freefall- launched every 5 years laded t a prf lad equal t 1.1 times the weight f the freefall bat and its full cmplement f persns and equipment. If the bat is launched unmanned withut use f its wn release system, the release system has t lad- tested separately. App1.4 OVERHAUL OF ON-LOAD RELEASE GEAR Overhaul f n-lad release gear includes: (a) Dismantling f hk release units; (b) Examinatin with regard t tlerances and design requirements; (c) Adjustment f release gear system after assembly; (d) Operatinal test as abve and with a lad accrding t SOLAS regulatin III/20.11.2.3 at least nce every 5 years; and (e) Examinatin f vital parts with regard t defects and cracks. Nte: Nn-destructive examinatin (NDE) techniques, such as dye penetrants (DPE), may be suitable. Alternative methds f testing the n lad release functin may be used in accrdance with App1.2.6 and 1.2.7. - 10 -
APPENDIX 2: GENERAL GUIDANCE ON THE CONDUCT OF 5 YEARLY LOAD TESTS ON UK VESSELS App2.1 App2.2 App2.3 UK Regulatin and SOLAS requires that at least nce every five years rescue bats and lifebats shall be turned ut and lwered when laded with weights t simulate 1.1 times the ttal mass f the lifebat r rescues bat when laded with its full cmplement f persns and equipment r with an equivalent lad. This test is t be applied t all lifebats, liferaft davits and rescue bats. The prcedure used must test the adequacy f all parts f the survival craft system this includes bat, disengaging gears, davit, winch and fundatins. In the case f liferafts there is a separate test carried ut by the service statins. Lad testing can be hazardus if nt carried ut crrectly and therefre the rle f all persns invlved must be clear. The test is t be carried ut by the authrised service prvider with a ship s fficer in charge (OIC) and witnessed by an MCA surveyr r ther persn appinted by the MCA. The OIC is in charge f the test at all times and shuld brief thse carrying ut the test n what is required. The surveyr r ther persn appinted by the MCA shuld take n part in the test and shuld nt be the OIC. The authrised persn may be an MCA surveyr, a Classificatin Sciety Surveyr appinted by MCA, r ther persns authrised by MCA t witness such tests. If the authrised persn is nt an MCA surveyr, then the individual cncerned will require a letter f appintment frm Survey Branch in MCA headquarters. MCA authrised Class Scieties shuld be aware f these prcedures as this will have been given as part f a general authrisatin. App2.4 All such tests are t be planned in advance. All rutine maintenance and recrds are t be updated befre the test. The surveyr r authrised service prvider must check this. It may be necessary t have a rlling prgramme fr vessels with a large number f appliances. The bat, launching appliance and all relevant cmpnents are t be inspected n the day f the test by the OIC r Authrized Service Prvider t ensure that all is in rder. Lifebats must be weighed befre testing t cnfirm that the weight remains as previusly recrded and that it is n mre than the certificated prductin test weight. Any increase in weight shuld be investigated and must be reprted t MCA s Marine Technlgy Branch s that trends in verweight lifebats may be mnitred. Water seepage int fam buyancy is ne pssible cause, especially if benches have cracked r fittings have deterirated. If weight grwth has ccurred particular cnsideratin has t be given t the safe wrking lads f all elements f the system and hw they have been affected by the increased weight. Where it is identified that weight grwth has ccurred all reasnable steps shuld be taken t return the lifebat t its riginal apprved weight. - 11 -
App2.5 The lifebat test may be carried ut in varius ways, each f which tests the whle system frm bat t davit fundatin. It is mst imprtant that all invlved agree the actual detailed prcedure in advance f the test. There are tw main methds: (a) Bats shuld be laded up at the embarkatin psitin. Where this is nt the stwed psitin then the bat shuld be brught alngside the ship with the bwsing gear arranged fr release frm the ship, rather than the bat as usual. Tricing pennants shuld be remved befre lading cmmences. The bat shuld then be laded with weights, distributed arund the bat, until the bat and weights amunt t a lad f 1.1 times the weight f the bat when fully laded with persns, equipment and stres. On rller track and all gravity pivting davits where the embarkatin psitin is the stwed psitin, extreme cautin shuld be taken when pivting the lifebat, particularly when carrying ut verlad testing, this element shuld frm part f the risk assessment. Where the lifesaving capacity f the bat has been vluntarily reduced t a lwer number f persns than that fr which it was riginally certified the full lad weight may be calculated based n the lwer number f persns, prvided that the revised carrying capacity is marked n the bat and used n the passenger r safety equipment certificate. The weights may be either slid weights r water bags. The methd f lading weights must be such that n-ne enters the bat nce the 70% lad is reached. If this cannt be achieved then the weight f the bat must nt be taken by the falls during lading but by a crane (f capacity at least 2.2 times the laded weight f the bat) and a spreader bar. Once laded, the OIC shuld agree the test prcedure with the attending authrised persn and this subsequently explained t the accredited service persnnel prir t the test. The attending surveyr shuld take n further part in the prceedings until the test is cmplete. If a crane and spreader bar is used, this shuld then be lwered s the weight f the bat is taken n the falls. Under n circumstances shuld anyne enter the bat at this time. The bat is t be eased ut n the bwsing tackles. The tricing lines shuld have been remved when the bwsing tackle was fitted. This must all be dne frm the vessel which may require the rigging f temprary lines. The OIC shuld nw check the area under and arund the bat is clear f persns and bstructins. Once ready, the bat is t be lwered lifting the brake fully t enable the bat t reach maximum speed n the centrifugal brake. The mechanical brake is then applied suddenly and the test paused t ensure that the psitin f the bat is held at least 1 m abve the water. If space permits, then it is repeated befre the bat reaches the water. The bat is then lwered until the keel f the bat is just tuching the water. Bats fitted with n-lad release mechanisms are t have these tested. The psitining f the bat is a matter f judgement depending n hull shape, but the weight f the bat shuld still be n the falls with the bat just tuching the water surface. On n accunt shuld the bat be drpped frm abve the water surface and it is preferred by the MCA fr alternative methds f testing the n lad release functin using mechanical r hydraulic lad simulatin apprved by the OEM. If ship s crew r authrised service persnnel knw f cases when a surveyr r service engineer has demanded that the bat be drpped frm abve the water surface n a UK ship, then this shuld be reprted t Marine Technlgy Branch s - 12 -
that the safety cncerns f such actin may be drawn t the attentin f the individual. Persnnel can then enter the bat frm anther tender and verride the release mechanism t release the bat t test that bth hks release simultaneusly under lad. Every care shuld be taken in this prcess. The persnnel n the bat shuld wear prtective clthing including safety helmets and life-jackets and shuld be sitting dwn when the bat is released. Davits shuld be visually checked at this stage. Only the minimum perating crew shuld enter the bat t perate the release mechanism. Once released the weights may be remved frm the bat. Under n circumstances shuld the ship s davits be used t lift the laded bat. If the unladed bat is t be raised n the falls, the hks shuld be reset and the falls attached. The bat shuld be raised just clear f the water and the hk and interlck mechanism duble checked and the secure lcatin f the falls cnfirmed prir t full recvery. N persns shuld be in the bat while it is being histed n the falls until the hk mechanisms have been thrughly examined by a cmpetent persn. Where the bat is t be histed befre thrugh examinatin f the hks then it shuld be stwed securely by gripes r hanging ff pennants while the cmpetent persn cnfirms that the bat and assciated launching appliance (hks, bat, davits, winches, etc.) have nt been damaged during the test. Once the bat is stwed and secured n the vessel the bat and davit shuld be inspected by the authrised persn fr any signs f test damage r straining (Nndestructive examinatin is strngly recmmended at this pint). The results f the test shuld be recrded n a test certificate prduced by the cmpetent persns and signed by the witnessing authrised persn. (b) Alternatively the bat and davits can be tested separately. This is mre time cnsuming but can be useful in dry-dck situatins and it means that lifebats are nt verladed while n bard which can be safer and present less f a risk t damage n bard, nevertheless, the entire system must be tested the nly difference is that they are tested in stages. With this methd the bat is tested by suspending it frm a spreader bar and it is laded t a weight equivalent t the peak lad established during ne dynamic test. Separate tests are made f the davit and winch using weights, and a spreader bar suspended frm the falls. A lad equivalent t 110% f the weight f the bat when fully laded with persns, equipment and stres shuld be applied befre the dynamic test is applied t the davits, wire and winch as in (a). Histrically the MCA permitted the use f a 200% default lad during the static verlad test as an equivalence t the required 5-yearly 110% dynamic verlad test. The actual peak lads experienced during dynamic tests can, in sme cases, be far less than 200% but in any case will vary cnsiderably depending n the type f winch and braking system, number f fall wire sheaves and many ther variables. Due t cncerns that the 200% static verlad test culd cause verstressing f the structure f lifebats, the prcedure has been replaced as described belw. It must be appreciated that these tests are separate t the 110% mechanical hk release test required fr hk replacement in MSC.1/Circ1392, which is nt affected by the plicy decisins explained belw. - 13 -
The purpse f the test is t prvide assurance that if the bat is required in an emergency, it can be used in its fully laded cnditin withut risk t thse n bard. The test shuld simulate the actual fully laded cnditin (plus 10%), lwered and capable f stpping under the brake withut damage. Therefre any alternative test shuld achieve the same result. In all physical tests f lifebats/rescue bats and assciated launching systems; the bat, hk fundatins, hks, davits, fall wire, winch and sheaves must be thrughly inspected fr signs f any deteriratin and r damage befre the test, and any findings dealt with as apprpriate. The abve thrugh examinatin shuld be repeated fllwing the test after remval f any test weights t ensure that n damage had ccurred as a result f the physical test. Further, with all physical tests f lifebats/rescue bats and assciated launching systems, it s als imprtant t avid unnecessary damage that the test duratin shuld be as shrt as pssible. In accrdance with UK regulatins, the recmmended methd f testing is still a 110% dynamic test every 5 years t include all aspects f the laded system bat, davit, falls, sheaves, winch and their fundatins. Acceptable Equivalence t the 110% Dynamic Test If, fr peratinal reasns, the dynamic test is nt practicable, the MCA will accept the testing f lifebats/rescue bats and davits separately but this must be agreed in cnsultatin with the lead surveyr fr the vessel, and in accrdance with the plicy described belw. The alternative methd acceptable t the MCA is where: (i) (ii) (iii) the hk release is tested under a 110% static lad using a hydraulic ram (nt required n single hk systems used in cmbinatin with a painter), the lifebat/rescue bat is statically lad tested ashre by suspending the laded bat mmentarily frm its hks (using a static lad representing the peak lad that wuld have been experienced in a 110% dynamic test, see details belw), and the davit, fall wire, sheaves and winch are tested t 110% dynamically with the use f a spreader bar (nly necessary n duble head davits) and weights (including a lad cell, the use fr which is described belw). Ideally, t start this prcess, the in service weight f the fully laded and equipped lifebat/rescue bat must be measured fr every individual lifebat/rescue bat because certified prttype weights have prved t be unreliable (there is als the likelihd fr weight grwth with age due in part t the ingress f water t vids in the craft structure). Hwever, it may nt be pssible t d this in every case s surveyrs shuld make a judgement based n the age and cnditin f the lifebat/rescue bat prir t the test. Any significant deviatin frm the certificated weight shuld be ntified t the manufacturer and Marine Technlgy Branch. When a ship peratr requests the use f a static verlad test then the additinal lad applied during the test must be determined by the ship peratr and agreed in advance with the lead surveyr but in any case the weight inserted int the lifebat/rescue bat must nt lad it t greater than 200% f the in-service weight f the fully laded and equipped lifebat/rescue bat. The verlad applied shuld be based upn the maximum weight f the bat plus equipment plus persns and this must be checked during tests. The change in MCA plicy is that simply applying a standard verlad f 200% may nt be apprpriate and culd cause unnecessary damage. Evidence supprting the equivalent static lad must be demnstrated by the ship peratr t the lead surveyr s - 14 -
satisfactin. It shuld be determined frm the maximum (peak) lad measured using the lad cell in an initial 110% dynamic test n the davit (using waterbags fr example). In this way, the static verlad can be shwn t be equivalent t that which the cmpnents wuld be subjected t during the prescribed 110% dynamic test. The initial dynamic test t determine equivalent static lad shuld be cnducted fr each different launching system s that nly like-fr-like systems may apply the same determined equivalent static lad. This is because f the variatins in lading that may be experienced with differences in launching systems. Dynamic tests indicating peak lads in excess f 200% shuld be raised with the ship peratr as a cncern because there is ptential fr ver-stressing f cmpnents e.g. the davit r bat. Refer t LSA Cde Ch IV, 4.4.1.7. Static tests must nt be carried ut using lads in excess f 200%. (c) Liferafts and sme inflatable r partly inflatable rescue bats are subjected t lad testing ashre during their regular servicing. The authrised persn may waive n bard lad testing f bats when satisfied that testing has been dne ashre with test lads and frequencies equivalent t that required in SOLAS III R20.11. Particular care must be taken where the n lad release gear is part f the bat t ensure that it is test laded and perated as per that regulatin, either during servicing r n bard. In such cases all that will need t be carried ut n the ship is a 110% dynamic lad test f the davit and brake using weights as per paragraph 3 f methd (b) abve. The test lad will have t be calculated n the maximum lad expected t be used with the davit in cases where the davit is shared by rafts and rescue bat. On lad release gear fr rescue bats shuld be treated as fr lifebats and either tested as part f the davit and winch test, with peratin at 110% lad demnstrated afterwards r using an alternative means as per App 2.6. App2.6 An alternative methd f testing n lad release mechanisms may be available using specialist equipment. Sme Authrized Service Prviders have develped bespke test equipment fr this purpse. The applied lad can be simulated hydraulically and the mechanism released in the usual way. This has the advantage that it can be dne ashre and avids the risk f damage t the bat r injury t persnnel n laded release in t the water. Use f such equipment must be agreed by the nminated bdy and the authrised service persnnel. Any required calibratin f such equipment must be verified. This test shuld als be witnessed by the Authrized Service Prvider. The results f the test shuld be recrded n a test certificate prduced by the Authrized Service Prviders r accredited service persnnel and signed by the witnessing authrised persn. In the case f bats withut n-lad release gear, the release gear shuld nly be tested when the bat is fully waterbrne. App2.7 Variatins n the abve methds may be used with the agreement f the MCA nce assessed by the Marine Office and apprved by Marine Technlgy Branch; hwever each part f the survival craft and its launching appliance must be tested. App2.8 On cmpletin f all testing the assembled bat and davit shuld be peratinally tested t the satisfactin f the OIC befre vessel departs r re-enters service. - 15 -
Part 2: GUIDELINES ON SAFETY DURING ABANDON SHIP DRILLS USING LIFEBOATS 1 GENERAL 1.1. Intrductin 1.1.1 It is essential that seafarers are familiar with the life-saving systems n bard their ships and that they have cnfidence that the systems prvided fr their safety will wrk and will be effective in an emergency. Frequent peridic shipbard drills are necessary t achieve this. 1.1.2 Crew training and rtatin is an imprtant cmpnent f drills. As a supplement t their initial shre side training, n bard training will familiarise crew members with the ship systems and the assciated prcedures fr use, peratin and drills. On these ccasins, the bjective is t develp apprpriate crew cmpetencies, enabling effective and safe utilisatin f the equipment required by the Regulatins. The time limits set ut in Regulatins fr ship abandnment shuld be cnsidered as a secndary bjective when cnducting drills. 1.2 Drill Frequency 1.2.1 Experience has shwn that hlding frequent drills furthers the gal f making the crew familiar with the life-saving systems n bard their ships and increasing their cnfidence that the systems will wrk and will be effective in an emergency. Drills give the crew pprtunity t gain experience in the use f the safety equipment and wrking in cperatin with each ther. 1.2.2 The ability t cpe with an emergency and handle the situatin, if the ship needs t be abandned, needs t be well rehearsed. Hwever, frequent crew changes smetimes make it difficult t ensure that all n bard have had the pprtunity t participate in drills if the minimum required drills are cnducted. Therefre, cnsideratin needs t be given t scheduling drills as required t ensure all n bard have an early pprtunity t becme familiar with the systems n bard. 1.3 Drills Must be Safe 1.3.1 Abandn ship drills shuld be planned, rganised and perfrmed s that the recgnized risks are minimised and in accrdance with relevant shipbard requirements f ccupatinal health and safety. 1.3.2 Drills prvide an pprtunity t verify that the life-saving system is wrking and that all assciated equipment is in place and in gd wrking rder, ready fr use. 1.3.3 Befre cnducting drills, it shuld be checked that the lifebat and its safety equipment have been maintained in accrdance with the manufacturer s instructins, as well as nting all the precautinary measures necessary. Abnrmal cnditins f wear and tear r crrsin shuld be reprted t the respnsible fficer immediately. 1.4 Emphasis n learning 1.4.1 Drills shuld be cnducted with an emphasis n learning and be viewed as a learning experience, nt just as a task t meet a regulatry requirement t cnduct drills. - 16 -
1.4.2 Whether they are emergency drills required by SOLAS r additinal special drills cnducted t enhance the cmpetence f the crew members, they shuld be carried ut at safe speed. During drills, care shuld be taken t ensure that everybdy familiarises themselves with their duties and with the equipment. If necessary, pauses shuld be made during the drills t explain especially difficult elements. The experience f the crew is an imprtant factr in determining hw fast a drill r certain drill elements shuld be carried ut. 1.5 Planning and rganising drills 1.5.1 Regulatins require that drills shall, as far as practicable, be cnducted as if there were an actual emergency. This means that the entire drill shuld, as far as pssible, be carried ut. At the same time, it shuld be ensured that the drill can be carried ut in such a way that it is safe in every respect. Cnsequently, elements f the drill that may invlve unnecessary risks will need special attentin r may be excluded frm the drill. 1.5.2 In preparing fr a drill, thse respnsible shuld review the manufacturer s instructin manual t assure that a planned drill is cnducted prperly. Thse respnsible fr the drill shuld ensure that the crew is familiar with the guidance prvided in the life-saving system instructin manual. 1.5.3 Lessns learned in the curse f a drill shuld be dcumented and made a part f fllw-up shipbard training discussins and planning fr the next drill sessin. 1.5.4 The lwering f a bat with its full cmplement f persns is an example f an element f a drill that may, depending n the circumstances, invlve unnecessary risk. Such drills shuld nly be carried ut if special precautins are bserved. 2 ABANDON SHIP DRILLS 2.1 Intrductin 2.1.1 It is imprtant that the crew wh perate safety equipment n bard are familiar with the functining and peratin f such equipment. Regulatins require that sufficiently detailed manufacturer s training manuals and instructins be carried n bard, which shuld be easily understd by the crew. Such manufacturer s manuals and instructins shuld be accessible fr everyne n bard and fllwed clsely during drills. 2.2 Guidance t the Shipwner 2.2.1 The shipwner shuld ensure that new safety equipment n bard the cmpany s ships has been apprved and installed in accrdance with UK regulatins and that the different pieces f the lifebat system (Lifebat, hks, davit, winch, etc) are all cmpatible and can wrk efficiently and safely tgether. 2.2.2 Prcedures fr hlding safe drills shuld be included in the Safety Management System (SMS) f shipping cmpanies. Detailed prcedures fr elements f drills that invlve a special risk shuld be evident frm wrkplace assessments adjusted t the relevant life-saving appliance. 2.2.3 Persnnel carrying ut maintenance and repair wrk n lifebats shuld be qualified in accrdance with part 1 f these Guidelines. - 17 -
2.3 Lifebats Lwered by Means f Falls 2.3.1 During drills, thse respnsible shuld be alert fr ptentially dangerus cnditins and situatins and shuld bring them t the attentin f the respnsible persn fr apprpriate actin. Feedback and imprvement recmmendatins t the ship-wner, the Administratin and the system manufacturer are imprtant elements f the marine safety system. If cnfidentially is required any reprting can be made thrugh the Cnfidential Hazardus Incident Reprting Prgram (CHIRP, www.chirp.c.uk) 2.3.2 Befre placing persns n bard a lifebat, it is recmmended that the bat first be lwered and recvered withut persns n bard t ascertain that the arrangement functins crrectly. The bat shuld then be lwered int the water with nly the number f persns n bard necessary t perate the bat. 2.3.3 T prevent lashings r gripes frm getting entangled, prper release shuld be checked befre swinging ut the davit. Part 3: FREE-FALL LIFEBOATS 1 Free-Fall Lifebats Drill 1.1 The mnthly drills with free-fall lifebats shuld be carried ut accrding t the manufacturer s instructins, s that the persns wh are t enter the bat in an emergency are trained t embark the bat, t take their seats in a crrect way and t use the safety belts; and als are instructed n hw t act during launching int the sea. 1.2 When the lifebat is free-fall launched as part f a drill, this shuld be carried ut with the minimum persnnel required t maneuvre the bat in the water and t recver it. The recvery peratin shuld be carried ut with special attentin, bearing in mind the high risk level f this peratin. Where permitted, simulated launching shuld be carried ut in accrdance with the manufacturer s instructins, taking due nte f this MGN. SOLAS III/19.3.3.4 allws fr simulated launching r lwering t the water by secndary means in all circumstances. 2 Guidelines fr Simulated Launching f Free-fall Lifebats Simulated launching is a means f training the crew in the free-fall release prcedure fr free-fall lifebats and in verifying the satisfactry functin f the free-fall release system withut allwing the lifebat t fall int the sea. 2.1 Purpse and Scpe The purpse f these Guidelines is t prvide a basic utline f essential steps necessary t safely carry ut simulated launching. These Guidelines are general; the lifebat manufacturer s instructin manual shuld always be cnsulted befre cnducting simulated launching. Simulated launching shuld nly be carried ut with lifebats and launching appliances designed t accmmdate it, and fr which the manufacturer has prvided instructins. Simulated launching shuld be carried ut under the supervisin f a respnsible persn wh shuld be an fficer experienced in such prcedures. - 18 -
2.2 Typical Simulated Launching Sequence 2.2.1 Check equipment and dcumentatin t ensure that all cmpnents f the lifebat and launching appliance are in gd peratinal cnditin. 2.2.2 Ensure that the restraining device(s) prvided by the manufacturer fr simulated launching are installed and secure and that the free-fall release mechanism is fully and crrectly engaged. 2.2.3 Establish and maintain gd cmmunicatin between the assigned perating crew and the respnsible persn. 2.2.4 Disengage lashings, gripes, etc. installed t secure the lifebat fr sea r fr maintenance, except thse required fr simulated free-fall. 2.2.5 Participating crew bard the lifebat and fasten their seatbelts under the supervisin f the respnsible persn. 2.2.6 All crew, except the assigned perating crew, disembark the lifebat. The assigned perating crew fully prepares the lifebat fr free-fall launch and secures themselves in their seats fr the release peratin. 2.2.7 The assigned perating crew activates the release mechanism when instructed by the respnsible persn. Ensure that the release mechanism perates satisfactrily and, if applicable, the lifebat travels dwn the ramp t the distance specified in the manufacturer s instructins. 2.2.8 Re-secure the lifebat t its stwed psitin, using the means prvided by the manufacturer and ensure that the free-fall release mechanism is fully and crrectly engaged. 2.2.9 Repeat prcedures frm 2.2.7 abve, using the back-up release mechanism when applicable. 2.2.10 The assigned perating crew disembarks the lifebat. 2.2.11 Ensure that the lifebat is returned t its nrmal stwed cnditin. Remve any restraining and/r recvery devices used nly fr the simulated launch prcedure. 2.2.12 The lifebat shuld then be verified ready fr launching in an emergency. - 19 -